Air Resources Board

California Gov. Gavin Newsom stands in front of four electric cars to announce an executive order requiring all new passenger vehicles sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2035, a move the governor says would achieve a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, on Sept. 23, 2020, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Photo by Daniel Kim, The Sacramento Bee via AP/Pool

Environment

Newsom orders ban of new gas-powered cars by 2035

In a dramatic move to tackle climate change, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced today that he has ordered the Air Resources Board to ban new models of traditional cars beginning in 15 years.

By

Rachel Becker

• September 23, 2020

Oil Tanker at the Port of Long Beach. Image via iStock

Environment

Shape up or ship out: California requires ships, trucks to eliminate thousands of tons of pollution

Diesel trucks, oil tankers and other ships must comply with two new rules that are the state’s most ambitious strike against smog in a decade. The cost could reach nearly $7 billion.

By

Rachel Becker

• August 27, 2020

Environment

Five automakers finalize deal with California to clean up car emissions

The companies pledged to meet state greenhouse gas requirements, not Trump administration rollbacks. In exchange, they get more time to meet them.

By

Rachel Becker

• August 17, 2020

Electric trucks are displayed outside of the California EPA. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Environment

California mandates zero-exhaust big rigs, delivery trucks

The requirements begin in 2024. By 2035, 55% of delivery vans and large pickups, 75% of commercial trucks such as garbage trucks and 40% of the big rigs sold in California must be emissions-free.

By

Rachel Becker

• June 25, 2020

Environment

California re-evaluating its landmark climate strategy

California EPA Secretary Jared Blumenfeld laid out plans for re-examining whether the program is likely to meet its goals for reducing greenhouse gases. It signals a shift in the administration's attitude and reflects problems posed by the pandemic-caused recession.

By

Rachel Becker

• June 24, 2020

Toyota Prius Hybrid vehicle offering rides for UBER and LYFT in San Francisco Bay Area

Environment

California is taking aim at Uber and Lyft’s outsized climate consequences

Uber and Lyft are bigger climate polluters than they should be. California aims to fix that.

By

Carlyn Kranking

• March 3, 2020

Environment

California weighs controversial rule to tackle truck tailpipe pollution

California's clean air enforcers want major truck manufacturers to sell zero-emission vehicles in the state — but the agency's proposal faces criticism from environmentalists and truck makers alike.

By

Rachel Becker

• December 11, 2019

Environment

California asks for clarity in clean car rollbacks. EPA’s answer might affect your commute

The rule stripping California of its power to police climate-warming car pollution takes effect today. Here’s what it means for California's commuters.

By

Rachel Becker

• November 26, 2019

WhatMatters

Gavin Newsom’s slow start on housing, cannabis’ carbon footprint, and San Francisco tries to impart its values on Nevada

Newsom's plans for housing construction off to slow start. Air Resources chief points out math error by feds. S.F. blacklists Nevada over abortion.

By

Dan Morain

• October 21, 2019

WhatMatters

Elbows fly in the Capitol over Steve Ballmer’s plan for a Clippers arena in Inglewood

Air Resources Board weighs in on Inglewood arena plan. Cause of vaping-related lung disease remains a mystery. Labor secretary hunts for jobs of future.

By

Dan Morain

• October 17, 2019